Robert Burns Statue in Leith, Edinburgh
A striking tribute to Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, set in the historic maritime district of Leith, Edinburgh.
The Robert Burns Statue in Leith, Edinburgh, stands as a tribute to Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. Erected by the Leith Burns Club in 1898 and sculpted by David Watson Stephenson, this iconic statue captures Burns with symbolic elements reflecting his agrarian roots and romantic inspirations. Located on Constitution Street, the statue is a focal point of local heritage and cultural pride in the historic port district of Edinburgh.
A brief summary to Robert Burns Statue
- Constitution St, Edinburgh, Leith, EH6 7BG, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the statue’s details and the surrounding urban atmosphere.
- Combine your visit with exploring Leith’s vibrant waterfront and cultural venues nearby.
- Look for the poem inscription near the statue to connect with Burns’ romantic themes.
- Attend local Burns Night celebrations in Leith for a deeper cultural experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take Lothian Buses routes 10 or 22 from central Edinburgh to Leith’s Constitution Street. The journey typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. Buses run frequently throughout the day, but services may reduce in the evening. A single ticket costs around £1.80.
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Tram and Walk
Use the Edinburgh Trams to Leith Walk stop, then enjoy a 15-minute walk along Leith Walk to Constitution Street. The tram ride from city center lasts about 10 minutes with tickets priced around £1.80. The walk is on paved streets and suitable for most visitors.
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Taxi
A taxi from Edinburgh city center to the Robert Burns Statue in Leith takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes depending on traffic. The fare typically ranges from £8 to £12. Taxis offer door-to-door convenience and are available 24/7.
Robert Burns Statue location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Robert Burns Statue
A Symbol of Scotland’s National Bard
The Robert Burns Statue in Leith commemorates the life and legacy of Robert Burns, Scotland’s beloved national poet who lived from 1759 to 1796. Erected in 1898 by the Leith Burns Club, the statue was sculpted by David Watson Stephenson, a renowned Scottish sculptor of the late 19th century. The statue portrays Burns in a contemplative pose, with a plough at his feet symbolizing his humble agrarian origins, and a poem inscribed nearby dedicated to his lost love, Mary Campbell. This artistic representation embodies Burns’ connection to rural Scotland and his enduring romantic and egalitarian themes.Historical and Cultural Context
Burns is celebrated worldwide for his poems and songs that express Scottish identity, social equality, and heartfelt emotion. The statue’s creation in the late 19th century reflects the period’s growing interest in commemorating national figures who shaped Scotland’s cultural heritage. Leith, historically a bustling port and industrial area of Edinburgh, honors Burns with this statue as a local landmark, linking the community to Scotland’s literary past. The statue contributes to the cultural fabric of Leith, a district known for its maritime history and vibrant arts scene.Artistic Features and Symbolism
David Watson Stephenson’s sculpture captures Burns in a lifelike and respectful manner, emphasizing his role as a poet deeply connected to the land and people of Scotland. The plough at his feet is a direct reference to Burns’ background as a farmer and his empathy for rural life. The poem dedicated to Mary Campbell, Burns’ youthful love, adds a personal and emotional dimension to the monument. The statue’s style is representative of Victorian-era public sculpture, combining realism with symbolic elements to communicate the poet’s significance.Location and Surroundings
Situated on Constitution Street in Leith, the statue occupies a prominent urban setting within Edinburgh’s historic port district. Leith’s streetscape blends maritime heritage with modern developments, making the statue a notable point of interest for visitors exploring the area. Nearby amenities and the lively character of Leith enhance the experience of visiting the statue, inviting reflection on Scotland’s literary history amid a dynamic urban environment.Legacy and Community Engagement
The Robert Burns Statue remains a focal point for local Burns clubs and cultural events celebrating the poet’s life and work. It serves as a gathering place for commemorations on Burns Night and other occasions that honor Scottish heritage. The statue’s presence in Leith underscores the enduring relevance of Burns’ poetry and the community’s pride in its cultural icons.Preservation and Accessibility
Maintained as a public monument, the statue is accessible year-round, allowing residents and visitors alike to engage with Scotland’s literary heritage. Its location on a public street ensures visibility and ease of access, contributing to ongoing awareness and appreciation of Robert Burns’ impact on Scottish culture and beyond.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Robert Burns Statue
0.0 km
A striking tribute to Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, set in the historic maritime district of Leith, Edinburgh.
Scottish Merchant Navy Memorial
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A solemn sandstone column in Leith honoring the bravery and sacrifice of Scotland’s merchant seafarers lost at sea in war and peace.
Water of Leith Walkway Finish
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Edinburgh’s scenic 13-mile riverside trail ends at Leith’s historic waterfront, blending nature, heritage, and urban charm.
Queen Victoria Statue
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A commanding bronze tribute to Queen Victoria and Leith’s Boer War heroes, standing proudly at the foot of Leith Walk since 1907.
Forth Lock
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Historic Forth Lock in Leith, Edinburgh, blends maritime heritage with vibrant waterfront life and scenic canal views.
Leith East Breakwater Lighthouse
2.0 km
Historic maritime beacon guiding ships into Edinburgh’s vibrant Leith Docks since 1876, now a cherished symbol of nautical heritage.
Queen Mary's Bath House
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A rare 16th-century Tudor pavilion near Holyrood Palace, steeped in royal mystery and linked to Mary, Queen of Scots.
Burns Monument
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Edinburgh's classical tribute to Scotland's national poet, a Neo-Greek temple with commanding city views.
Dugald Stewart Monument
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A neoclassical tribute to philosopher Dugald Stewart, offering iconic views over Edinburgh from historic Calton Hill.
Scottish-American Soldiers Monument
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Martyrs of Reform Monument
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A towering 27m obelisk in Edinburgh honoring five radical reformists who shaped Britain’s fight for democratic rights in the 18th century.
Robert Fergusson Statue
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Dynamic Earth
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Explore the captivating journey of our planet at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh's premier science museum with interactive exhibits and stunning visuals.
Edinburgh World Heritage
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Explore Edinburgh's architectural wonders and rich history at the Edinburgh World Heritage, a hub for conservation and education.
Earl of Hopetoun Statue
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A distinguished bronze statue honoring John Hope, 4th Earl of Hopetoun, set amidst the elegant Georgian surroundings of Edinburgh’s St Andrew Square.
Unmissable attractions to see
The King's Wark
0.2 km
A centuries-old Leith gastropub serving seasonal Scottish seafood and classic pub fare in a cosy waterside setting.
Shore
0.2 km
Historic waterfront district in Leith blending maritime heritage with vibrant dining, bars, and scenic river views.
Custom House Leith
0.3 km
Historic Georgian Custom House in Leith, evolving into Scotland’s first fully digital museum and vibrant cultural hub.
Teuchters Landing
0.4 km
Waterside freehouse on Leith’s Shore — wide whisky range, rotating ales, dockside beer garden and roomy conservatory for all seasons.
Trinity House Maritime Museum
0.5 km
Explore Leith’s seafaring legacy in an elegant Georgian townhouse, home to a remarkable collection of maritime treasures and stories.
Leith Links
0.5 km
Historic green oasis in Edinburgh’s Leith district, birthplace of golf and witness to centuries of Scottish history.
Leith Citadel
0.5 km
Explore the enduring 17th-century fortress guarding Edinburgh’s historic port in the vibrant Leith waterfront district.
Lind and Lime Gin Distillery
0.5 km
Discover Edinburgh’s artisanal gin heritage with interactive tours and tastings at Lind and Lime Gin Distillery in vibrant Leith.
Wonder World Soft Play Edinburgh
0.7 km
Edinburgh’s largest indoor soft play and party venue offering thrilling slides, go-karts, and dedicated toddler zones for endless family fun.
The Leith Mural
0.8 km
A monumental mural in Edinburgh’s Leith district capturing decades of community history and maritime heritage through vivid street art.
0 Water of Leith Walkway
0.9 km
A tranquil 12-mile riverside walkway weaving through Edinburgh’s nature, history, and art, perfect for peaceful strolls and cultural discovery.
Port of Leith Distillery (entrance)
0.9 km
A poignant memorial in Leith honoring the valor and sacrifice of the Royal Marines 43rd Commando during World War II.
Ocean Terminal
0.9 km
Edinburgh’s premier waterfront shopping and leisure destination, blending retail, dining, cinema, and maritime heritage in vibrant Leith.
The Royal Yacht Britannia
1.0 km
Explore the majestic Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh, a floating palace rich with royal history and stunning waterfront views.
Leith Walk
1.6 km
Leith Walk is Edinburgh’s vibrant, historic street linking city centre buzz with the lively maritime charm of Leith’s waterfront.
Essential places to dine
Nobles Cafe Bar & Restaurant
0.1 km
Leith's historic gastropub where Scottish seasons meet craft drinks, roaring fires, and port-side charm in a dog-friendly haven of flavor and vibe.
Tapa
0.3 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant flavors in the heart of Leith at Tapa, Edinburgh’s celebrated tapas bar and restaurant.
The Shore Bar and Restaurant
0.3 km
Cozy waterfront dining in Leith offering superior seafood and modern European cuisine in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Fishers
0.3 km
Historic 17th-century watchtower turned seafood haven in Leith, serving fresh Scottish fish with a relaxed, waterfront charm.
Kezban Mediterranean Restaurant
0.3 km
Authentic Mediterranean flavors and warm hospitality on the vibrant shore of Leith in Edinburgh.
Heron
0.3 km
Michelin-starred modern Scottish dining in Leith with innovative seasonal menus and scenic waterside views.
Domenico's
0.3 km
A cozy, authentic Italian restaurant in Leith serving fresh Sicilian-inspired dishes with warm hospitality and generous portions.
The Kitchin
0.4 km
Experience refined Scottish cuisine with a French touch in Edinburgh’s iconic Michelin-starred restaurant nestled in historic Leith.
Roseleaf Bar Cafe
0.4 km
Eclectic family-run bar cafe in Leith serving fresh Scottish classics, inventive cocktails, and a quirky, artistic atmosphere.
The Walnut
1.7 km
Cozy and unpretentious, The Walnut offers seasonal Scottish dishes with creative flair and excellent value on Edinburgh’s vibrant Leith Walk.
The Gardener's Cottage
2.2 km
An intimate Edinburgh dining gem blending seasonal Scottish produce with rustic charm in a historic garden cottage setting.
Down The Hatch Edinburgh
2.2 km
Bold Canadian comfort food and lively vibes meet in the heart of Edinburgh’s Antigua Street for a truly unforgettable dining experience.
L'Escargot Bleu Restaurant and Wine Bar
2.4 km
Authentic French bistro in Edinburgh blending classic cuisine with fresh Scottish ingredients and a cozy wine bar atmosphere.
Taisteal
2.4 km
A Michelin-mentioned Edinburgh gem where Scottish ingredients meet global flavours in a warm, intimate setting.
Fhior
2.4 km
Experience innovative Scottish fine dining with seasonal tasting menus in a minimalist, elegant setting at Edinburgh’s acclaimed Fhior.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Flux
0.2 km
Curated cards, artisan homewares and design-led gifts in a compact, maker-friendly shop on Bernard Street, Leith.
Destined for Home
0.2 km
Discover unique gifts and personal service in the heart of Leith at Destined for Home, Edinburgh’s charming boutique for distinctive treasures.
Georgian Antiques
0.3 km
Explore 50,000 sq ft of Scotland's finest antiques in Leith's historic heart – from Regency cabinets to gilded mirrors in one vast warehouse.
ScotClans
0.4 km
Authentic Scottish clan and tartan products crafted with heritage and pride in the heart of Leith, Edinburgh.
TBCo | Tartan Blanket Co.
0.6 km
Discover sustainable tartan magic in Leith: touch lambswool blankets, customize with embroidery, and carry home Scotland's cozy soul from this Edinburgh gem.
Logan Malloch Ltd
0.7 km
Edinburgh's Leith gem: artisanal gifts, art prints, witty cards, books & Scottish crafts in a charming shop on vibrant Leith Walk.
Build-A-Bear
0.9 km
Craft your own cuddly companion in Leith's lively workshop, where stuffing hearts and dreams creates lifelong memories for kids and families alike.
Britannia Gift Shop
0.9 km
Discover exclusive royal souvenirs and nautical treasures at the Britannia Gift Shop, where the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II's yacht comes alive in every carefully curated item.
The Leith collective
1.0 km
Discover upcycled artistry and sustainable treasures from 65+ Leith makers in this eco-heartfelt shopping gem at Ocean Terminal.
Retro Clothing Outfit
1.0 km
Dive into decades of style at Retro Clothing Outfit in Leith's Ocean Terminal—vintage gems await in Edinburgh's creative coastal enclave.
Wee Leith Shop
1.4 km
Quirky novelties and charming gifts await in this cozy Leith Walk gem, capturing the neighborhood's independent spirit with playful treasures for every home.
Planet.A Boutique
1.8 km
Discover Edinburgh’s stylish and sustainable gift shop offering unique local treasures and eco-friendly finds on Easter Road.
Meadowbank Shopping Park
2.0 km
Edinburgh’s vibrant shopping park offering diverse stores, extended hours, and a welcoming atmosphere for all your retail and dining needs.
The Cats Miaou
2.0 km
A vibrant Leith gift shop bursting with quirky, pun-filled designs and ethically sourced handmade treasures in Edinburgh.
The Dragonfly
2.3 km
Discover unique gifts and local charm at The Dragonfly, a stylish boutique gift shop in Edinburgh’s vibrant Broughton Street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Malt & Hops
0.2 km
Historic Leith pub since 1749, pouring real ales and whiskies by a roaring fire amid maritime charm on the Shore.
The Barologist
0.3 km
A characterful Leith pub-cocktail bar mixing inventive drinks, rustic plates and quirky interiors for relaxed nights and small celebrations.
Three Marys
0.4 km
Leith's stylish cocktail gem with smoked margaritas, eclectic decor, and shareable plates in a historic portside nook—perfect for inventive sips and cozy evenings.
Smoke & Mirrors
0.5 km
Quirky Leith cocktail haven where magic-themed vibes meet masterful mixes in an intimate, colourful escape from Edinburgh's everyday.
Leith Dockers Club
0.5 km
Leith's 1946 social heartbeat: massive bar, function suites, beer garden, and community spirit for gatherings big and small.
The Lioness of Leith
0.6 km
Leith's quirky gastropub haven for gourmet burgers, craft cocktails, and electric vibes since 2013—where quality bites meet lively nights.
The Vine Bar
0.8 km
Experience the warmth of Leith at The Vine Bar, a cozy spot offering a delightful selection of local drinks and a welcoming atmosphere.
The Street
2.4 km
Casual cocktail bar by day, energetic late-night bar and small club by night — Picardy Place’s go-to spot for social evenings and weekend parties.
The Alchemist St James Quarter
2.7 km
Experience Edinburgh’s vibrant cocktail theatre and unique dining at The Alchemist St James Quarter, where drinks come alive with magic and flair.
Nightcap
2.7 km
Intimate New Town speakeasy with whisky-led cocktails, reclaimed-wood warmth and attentive, bespoke service for relaxed late-night evenings.
The Voodoo Rooms
2.8 km
Edinburgh's clandestine Victorian lair of cocktails, cabaret, and live tunes in opulent, hidden chambers.
The Cocktail Geeks
2.9 km
Edinburgh's arch-hidden gem for themed cocktails, geeky immersions, and masterful mixology in a cozy, ever-changing vault.
Cask
2.9 km
Discover Cask: Edinburgh's rooftop cocktail bar offering stunning views, innovative drinks, and delectable small plates in a vibrant atmosphere.
The World's End
3.0 km
Discover the charm of The World's End pub on the Royal Mile, where history meets hearty Scottish cuisine and local brews in Edinburgh.
Bramble Bar
3.0 km
Edinburgh's speakeasy legend: masterful cocktails, dim-lit nooks, and beats that linger until 1am in a Queen Street basement hideaway.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Garibaldi's
3.0 km
Edinburgh's tiniest nightclub packs the biggest late-night punch on Hanover Street, with killer margaritas and a dance floor that never quits till 3am.
Why Not Nightclub
3.0 km
Edinburgh's multi-award-winning late-night haven with LED immersion, garden vibes, and non-stop beats on George Street.
Shanghai Nightclub
3.0 km
Edinburgh's Oriental nightlife den: Asian decor, themed beats, VIP vibes, and non-stop energy on George Street.
El Barrio Latino
3.1 km
Edinburgh's sizzling Latin nightclub where salsa beats pulse through New Town nights, drawing dancers to its vibrant Hanover Street heart until the early hours.
The Hive Nightclub & Venue
3.1 km
Edinburgh's gritty Cowgate nightclub: cheap drinks, multi-room beats, and non-stop energy until 3am in the heart of Old Town.
Opal Lounge
3.2 km
A stylish live music bar and nightclub in Edinburgh’s New Town, perfect for celebrations and vibrant nightlife.
Cabaret Voltaire
3.2 km
Vaulted live-music rooms and a relaxed upstairs bar—Cabaret Voltaire is Edinburgh’s atmospheric hub for alternative gigs and late-night clubbing.
La Belle Angele
3.2 km
Edinburgh’s intimate nightclub and live music venue blending historic charm with vibrant themed nights and diverse performances.
The Mash House
3.3 km
A vibrant Edinburgh nightclub and live music venue blending folk, electronic, and techno in a lively, casual setting.
The Shack Retro Bar & Club
3.4 km
Edinburgh's retro dance den blasting 60s-90s hits amid quirky decor and sweaty dance floors—pure nostalgic escapism on Rose Street.
Sneaky Pete's
3.4 km
Intimate live music and club nights in Edinburgh’s Old Town, where emerging talent meets vibrant nightlife.
Legends
3.4 km
Edinburgh’s only 24/7 rock nightclub, Legends pulses with raw energy and live alternative music in the heart of Cowgate.
The Bongo Club
3.4 km
Edinburgh’s underground hotspot blending eclectic music, live art, and a vibrant late-night scene in the historic Old Town.
The Liquid Room
3.4 km
Edinburgh's multi-level nightlife gem: techno thumps, live gigs, and warehouse vibes on historic Victoria Street.
Lulu Bar and Nightclub
3.5 km
Edinburgh's George Street gem: chic cocktails, thumping beats, and dance floors that ignite the night in upscale style.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Cultural Heritage
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Unique
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
